Tuesday, March 10

A Fast, Fresh, and Delicious Dinner in Under 30 Minutes.

Weeknight meals can be a challenge. That's why there are so many cookbooks and cooking magazines offering tips and solutions on how transform those hectic weeknight meals into "meals in minutes." Whether it's a promise of a "10 minute meal" or a list of "fast and easy suppers," there's no shortage of help out there. So today I'm offering my own fast and fresh weeknight meal.

This Herbed Chicken and Cauliflower is easy, healthy, and delicious. You can make this dish and be sitting down to eat it within 30 minutes. Really. The savory sauce made from white wine, vegetable broth, mixed herbs, and cornstarch clings deliciously to the sauteed chicken and cauliflower. It's a well balanced meal that is high in lean protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins C and K, and fiber.

So there you have it. Fast, fresh, healthy, and delicious, all in less than 30 minutes.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil; add shallots and saute until translucent , about 3 minutes. Add the chicken; cook until browned all over yet still tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile cut cauliflower into florets. Place in a large pot of boiling water for 3 minutes; drain. Once chicken is browned, add the cauliflower, cooking until browned in spots. Add white wine (the alcohol will burn off, but the chicken and cauliflower will be infused with its flavor). Once the alcohol reduces, add the vegetable broth with cornstarch. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Turn off heat; stir in fresh herbs, and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Meanwhile, place couscous and water in a microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Divide couscous among 4 plates. Add 1/4 of the chicken and cauliflower to each plate. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.

33 comments:

So lush looking with that touch of rosemary. It looks like you actually could do this in 30 minutes and have a healthy wonderful dinner. Drives me nutty when cookbooks tell me it'll take 20 minutes and it takes an hour and 20 minutes.

I love this! I like these fast week night dinners, when I come home from work I'm usually starving and if it takes too long to cook I end up snacking on cheese and crackers, or something else that's not necessary.

I cannot believe my good luck!!!! I have a couliflower and some chicken legs in the fridge. I was thinking of doing some steamed couliflower with potates and grilled chicken... but here you are with a new way to cook it together. Just perfect :D

Looks great. So should I time myself if I make this for proof? ;-) Interesting way to make couscous. That really cuts down on cleanup time because you can cook and serve in one plate instead of having to wash an extra pot.

susan, don't go all rachael ray on us now... you're too darn good! kidding! but we kind of do need more of these good go-to meals during the week. healthy, inexpensive and TASTY. yum. why do i not eat more cauliflower?